WAVERLY, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska authorities are investigation the death of a former Kansas lawmaker and athletics official whose body was found beneath a riding lawn mower.

Relatives found the body of 66-year-old Ricky Bowden in a building on his property north of Waverly. Lancaster Sheriff Terry Wagner says it appears a plastic toolbox blew off a shelf and onto the mower, causing it to fall on Bowden, who was working beneath the equipment.

Relatives found Bowden after checking on why he hadn’t returned for dinner.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reported that Bowden served for 18 years as assistant executive director for the Kansas State High School Activities Association before retiring in 2011. He also served from 1985 to 1993 as a member of the Kansas Legislature.